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Press Release from Julesburg Advocate, Julesburg, Colorado
After spending six months volunteering in Africa rescuing children that had been raped, Patricia Michael Melnice returned to the US driven by a voracious passion for aiding and assisting women and children of violence. Armed with the desire to effect change, and the courage to step up, Ms. Melnice chose to dedicate her life to humanitarian efforts and has recently founded her own non-profit organization, Tough Angels, Inc.
Ms. Melnice’s decision to quit her job, put her belongings in storage and travel alone to South Africa followed a divorce after 24 years of marriage. Wanting her life to be about something bigger than the divorce, Ms. Melnice chose to give 6 months of her life to working independently but alongside an established organization that rescued children who had been raped. Their youngest case, though not uncommon, was a 4-month old baby that eventually died from her injuries. From point of rescue, to the final court proceedings of each case, Ms. Melnice worked with the child victims, the police, Child Protective Services, the hospitals, and the judicial system to address what is now an epidemic problem in Africa.
While in South Africa, Ms. Melnice worked closely with the Zulu people and one woman in particular, named Lady Fair, became Ms. Melnice’s benchmark for grace, gratitude and generosity. Lady Fair is a single Mom with two biological children, 1 grandchild and 11 orphans that she has taken in off the streets. Lady Fair lived in a tiny tin shack with dirt floors, no running water or electricity. In an effort to help Lady Fair and the children, Ms. Melnice sold her wedding ring and with the help of friends was able to secure land and build Lady Fair a house. She now lives in a home with a secure foundation, and running water for the first time in her life.
Ms. Melnice stated that, “Not one day of this journey has been easy, but every moment, every challenge, and every victory has been worth my efforts. One person really can make a difference.”
Tough Angels, Inc. a 501(c)3 NPO – Creating safe havens for women and children of violence.
Art Showing – First Friday June, 2010.
By purchasing a photo or making a donation, you are supporting Patty in returning to Africa to continue her work with babies, children, and women
who have been raped.
Radio Interview:
Photographer Katy Tartakoff Studio proudly presents Patricia Michael Melnice’s premier showing of I MUST SPEAK NOW – RESCUED VOICES FROM AFRICA. This show captures the magnificence of the human spirit that still shines in spite of horrific circumstances. Connection, community, color-filled photos invite the viewer to come and not only take a look, but to be part of the strength, courage, and dignity Patty witnessed while volunteering in Africa.
By purchasing a photo or making a donation, you are supporting Patty in returning to Africa to continue her work with babies, children, and women
who have been raped.
We are deeply grateful and look forward to your company on the 19th, June, 2010. Please stop by and have a glass of wine with us!
Event Details
Saturday, June 19, 2010
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Katy Tartakoff Photography Studio and Gallery
River North Art District (RiNo)
3457 Ringsby Court #105
A toast to all the brave women (and Jana) in Jana Stanfield’s if I Were Brave…video sponsored by Awesome Women Hub! God bless you for touching lives by being stellar role models of courage and fortitude.
Music Video
Patricia Melnice featured in Jana Stanfield’s video
“If I Were Brave”